The hospital announced today the arrival of Dr Stephen Dunn, who moved to West Suffolk from the NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA), where he was director of delivery and development.

In this role, he has overseen the work of 24 Trusts, which has given him extensive knowledge of the challenges faced by district general hospitals across the country.

Dr Dunn, who lives near Bury St Edmunds, succeeds Stephen Graves, who is leaving West Suffolk to become chief executive of Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after four years.

Dr Dunn said: “I am delighted to have the privilege to take on such a key role in the running of my own local hospital.

“I – and my family – have been patients at West Suffolk in the past, and I know how dedicated the staff and the senior team are to providing high quality services.

“I look forward to bringing my experience of overseeing hospitals, ranging from district general hospitals to large acute organisations, to my new role leading West Suffolk to ensure that local patients continue to get the award-winning care that this Trust is known for.”

He was appointed following a rigorous two-day recruitment process and is likely to start work with the Trust in November.

Before his current role with the NHS TDA, Dr Dunn held a variety of senior roles, including positions across the Midlands and East of England regions within the Department of Health and HM Treasury.

Dr Dunn has a PhD in economics and during his career has developed and implemented a range of new concepts, including the first NHS operating franchise at Hinchingbrooke and the friends and family test, which was rolled out across the NHS in 2013.

Trust chairman Roger Quince said: “Our excellent reputation for quality and overall performance attracted interest in the role of chief executive from high calibre candidates, and we had an impressive field to choose from.

“We already have a strong board and effective executive team, and were looking for an exceptional leader, with clear strategic thinking who can take our agreed five year plans forward. We believe that Stephen Dunn will do this.

“His significant skills and knowledge of the NHS will strengthen our position and help us develop the partnerships necessary to deliver integrated health and care services vital for improved patient outcomes and the experience for individuals.”

The hospital has been experiencing financial problems in recent times, with health watchdog Monitor launching an investigation after it forecast an £8million loss this year.